Adult ESOL students recently came together for a Community and Belonging CPD day, celebrating confidence, connection, and shared learning in a welcoming and festive environment.
The event brought students, tutors, and guest speakers together to explore how English language learning supports everyday life, wellbeing, and participation within the local community. Through interactive workshops, creative activities and reflective sessions, students practised English in meaningful, real-world contexts while strengthening their sense of belonging.
The day opened with We Are Waterloo, led by Harrie Notton, Head of Marketing, exploring local identity, heritage and neighbourhood pride through community mapping and shared stories. How to Small Talk, delivered by Cat Hancock, Chief of Staff at Believ, helped students develop practical communication skills for everyday conversations, work, and study.
Creativity and collaboration featured in Orange and Spice: Festive Decorations, where Adult Skills tutors guided students in building vocabulary and teamwork skills. Students also explored innovation and sustainability during Infinity Shed, led by Dr Benjamin Lishman, Associate Dean for Engineering at LSBU, which introduced the Energy Advice Centre and community engagement opportunities.
Afternoon sessions focused on wellbeing, reflection, and practical support which helped students develop writing fluency and confidence, while a housing workshop and Q&A with Sandra Axel, Housing Project Manager at Kineara, offered information and access to local support services. One highlight was How to Deal with Anxiety, delivered by Luz Duque, a Level 2 ESOL student, motivational speaker and careers advisor, who shared her personal journey and strategies for resilience.
The day concluded with Watch It Grow, a lively sing-along using music to support pronunciation, vocabulary and confidence.Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the supportive environment and the chance to connect with others.
Events like this reflect Southwark College’s commitment to creating inclusive adult skills programmes that empower students and strengthen community connections.For more information on ESOL courses for 16-18s and adult learners, please visit southwark.ac.uk/esol.
